Do you think you have a case? Request a consultation with our team. We are here to help you through this difficult process. Cross

Van Wey, Metzler & Williams

Breast Implant Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Diagnosis? The FDA has recently uncovered that certain types of breast implants may increase the risk of patients developing cancer. Breast Implant Associated Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is not actually breast cancer but it does develop in the scar tissue and fluid surrounding breast implants. This type of cancer is a type of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma—an immune system cancer—and, in some cases, it can spread throughout the body.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration FDA has recently received 359 medical device reports (MDRs) of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, or BIA-ALCL. The incidents have since become frequent and concerning enough that the FDA issued a statement agreeing with the World Health Organization designation of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) as a rare T-cell lymphoma that can develop following breast implants.

Nine of these 359 women have since died from the rare disease, and as a result of this severe complication, numerous women are filing lawsuits for damages.

What is Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL)?

ALCL can be found in the skin or lymph nodes around the implants. The federal department says this isn’t classified as a breast cancer, but rather a rare form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma — a cancer disturbing the immune system that can appear any time after implant surgery; often several months or even years.

If caught early, ALCL is easily treated. If the disease is limited to a single lesion or small region, radiation therapy or surgical removal of the breast implant and surrounding tissues will likely result in complete remission for the majority of affected patients. The FDA does mention, however, that some patients may also require chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

What are the Common Symptoms & Warning Signs of BIA-ALCL?
Textured Implants

In January of 2018, an emerging study discovered that silicone breast implants with a textured surface are 400-times more likely to cause this rare type of cancer when compared to smooth surface implants. It has been noted in studies since that the majority of women who have a confirmed diagnosis of BIA-ALCL had textured breast implants.

Although it has yet to be established precisely why the risk of ALCL is higher among women with textured breast implants, the human body seems to respond differently to the textured implants compared to smooth. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, textured breast implants contrast compared to the various other types of implants because the textured surface encourages scar tissue to stick. This design was developed with the goal to keep implants from shifting over time and to diminish the risk of developing a capsular contracture, which is a tight capsule of scar tissue that can become unusually hard and contract around the implant, resulting in tough, unnatural-feeling breasts after the implantation.

The FDA indicated that “Though the number of identified cases of BIA-ALCL is small compared to the estimated 1.5 million patients who receive breast implants worldwide every year, confirmed data and published information reviewed to date suggests that patients with breast implants have an increased risk of BIA-ALCL,”

Do I Have a Possible Breast Implant Lawsuit?

Our attorneys are currently evaluating and investigating claims on behalf of individuals with textured breast implants who have been diagnosed with Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma. If you–or someone you know–have been diagnosed with BIA-ALCL or another type of lymphoma cancer as a result of breast implants, we encourage you to contact us immediately.

In many cases like this, filing a lawsuit is the only way to recover money that is lost from medical bills, transportation costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Others file lawsuits because they want to make a difference and prevent others from suffering through the same misfortunes they have experienced.

Women who develop BIA ALCL following their implantation of textured breast implants may be eligible to recover compensation for these expenses if they decide to take legal action against certain implant manufacturers. Medical device companies may be held legally responsible lawsuit for ALCL injuries following breast implants if they failed to create a safe product or failed to warn customers of the lymphoma risks associated with textured breast implants. Van Wey, Metzler & Williams Can Help, No Matter Where You Live. To discuss the specifics of your potential lawsuit in a free and confidential consultation, contact us today. You may call us at 1(888)-694-8093.

Contact Us Today!

Van Wey, Metzler & Williams will work with you and your family to answer these questions and determine if you have the grounds for a claim. If you qualify for a claim, Van Wey, Metzler & Williams will investigate the details of your case, collect evidence and witness testimony, and handle all aspects of the case.

We are here for you. Call us today!

Headquartered in the Heart of Texas

Serving clients from coast to coast

map

Contact Us Today!

We are here to help. Once an individual becomes a client, they become part of the Van Wey, Metzler & Williams family.

WE’RE HERE TO HELP

Contact Us Today!
To Discuss Your Case